The definition of the Balkan Peninsula's natural borders does not coincide with the technical definition of a peninsula; hence modern geographers reject the idea of a Balkan Peninsula, while historical scholars usually discuss the Balkans as a region. The Balkan Peninsula includes 11 countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovenia. The Balkans are a mix of different cultures and languages, making its history complex and rich.

Understanding the Context

Where are the Balkans? The Balkan Peninsula is the easternmost of Europe’s three great southern peninsulas. Generally, the Balkans are bordered on the northwest by Italy, on the north by Hungary, on the north and northeast by Moldova and Ukraine, and the south by Greece and Turkey or the Aegean Sea (depending on how the region is defined). Is Croatia Balkan?

Key Insights

What about Greece? Our 20-year travel expert provides the official 2025 list of all countries in the Balkans with a detailed breakdown and map. Some focus on geography, drawing a line around the Balkan Peninsula south of the Sava and Danube rivers. Others lean on history, talking about ex-Yugoslav countries and their neighbours. Modern politics adds another layer, as some states prefer to brand themselves as Central Europe instead.

Final Thoughts

What Is The Balkans? A First Timer’s Guide To Europe’s Most ... Political and geographic map of the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. Shows countries, capitals, borders, major cities, ports, airports, mountain ranges, and key historical and cultural regions. The Balkan Peninsula is usually defined as comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. Each of these Balkan countries offers a glimpse into the past and present of southeastern Europe.